TED-ED: Plato's best (and worst) ideas - Wisecrack

The video explores Plato's significant influence on Western philosophy, highlighting his creation of the first Western university and his role as a teacher to Aristotle. It delves into his theory of Forms, which posits a perfect, unchanging world beyond our own. The video also examines Plato's political ideas, including the concept of a philosopher king and his views on women. Despite some outdated ideas, Plato's work laid the foundation for future philosophical inquiry, and his legacy continues to shape modern thought.

Which philosopher is known for describing Western philosophy as a series of footnotes to Plato?

• Aristotle

• A 20th century philosopher

• Socrates

• Diogenes

What is the central idea of Plato's theory of Forms?

• Forms are the sensory experiences we encounter daily.

• Forms are the imperfect copies of reality.

• Forms are physical objects we can see and touch.

• Forms are perfect, unchanging ideals beyond our world.

According to Plato, what should philosophers strive to understand to better navigate reality?

• The political systems

• The perfect Forms

• The sensory world

• The opinions of others

In Plato's ideal city, who should lead?

• A military general

• A philosopher king

• A wealthy merchant

• A democratic assembly

What was Plato's view on the role of women in his model city?

• Women should be treated as children.

• Women should only be involved in domestic tasks.

• Women are equally capable of ruling.

• Women should not participate in governance.